The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) says it’s concerning that foreigners identify more investment opportunities than Namibians do in the country.
“We have noted with concern that investors that are approaching us, people that are identifying projects in Namibia, are foreign nationals,” said NIPDB chief executive Nangula Uaandja during an information sharing session yesterday.
According to Uaandja, the country’s economy should not be dominated by foreign nationals.
In order to help locals, the NIPDB established the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises department
“Our people are not seeing these opportunities, therefore we are identifying them and taking them to locals. We are the ones who are working with investors. How do we identify these opportunities and take them to the Namibian people?” she questioned.
Uaandja said the recently launched mining database is a step towards helping Namibians identify opportunities.
Additionally, Uaandja noted that contrary to popular belief, foreigners are often more willing to hire locals as this reduces costs.
“We believe investors want to bring foreign nationals to Namibia [but] investors, when they come to the country, want to employ local people because it is feasible, it is more affordable and it’s just more logical,” she added.
Uaandja noted that investors are looking for skills, and this is what Namibians should focus on.
She said while Namibia is a special country, it is not unique in terms of what it offers. She emphasised that there is limited capital and many ideas, therefore Namibia needs to stand out.
“Another thing we need to accept as Namibians is that we are not unique. Most of what we have, other people have. And therefore, we need to make sure that we organise ourselves,” said Uaandja.
Addressing the development of the Namibia Nation Brand and Communication Strategy, Uaandja said the NIPDB should be concluding the strategy next year.
